Every student at Bester was treated to an ice cream sundae and enjoyed the performance of World Champion “Frisbee Guy” Gary Auerbach. Our hope is to encourage positive behaviors and good attendance within the school day by offering ongoing rewards to students who put forth the necessary effort. Today’s event was open to every student! Over the long term, we believe kids can move towards more intrinsic rewards as a part of a caring Bester community. Choose Kind! 
Babypalooza 2016! Register today!
Join us as we celebrate families! Saturday October 22, 2016 11a.m. – 2 p.m.
M & T Bank sponsors new AmeriCorps VISTA
Our sincere thanks to Jim Schultheis of M&T Bank (VP/GM of the Boonsboro branch) and the M&T Charitable foundation for supporting our year long health efforts in the Bester community. The newest member of our team, Rafi Hoq (pictured left) is seen here accepting a check today for $2,500 to support the effort from Banking Officer Joe Werling. Community partners like M&T Bank make all the difference!
Steps Forward with the Faith Community
Today the BCOH crew partnered with Paul Ostoich of HubNetwork to continue to listen to the strategies being used in the faith community and how we can best adapt those practices to serve families in our region. Building on a HubNetwork event last week in Hagerstown focused on successful social service delivery practices seen in other houses of faith, we continued a deeper conversation about process and lessons learned with Lillie Ostoich and Ken Melloni today in Philadelphia. We are looking forward to partnering with families in need, including those affiliated with the network of churches in the Bester catchment, through our Strengthening Ties and Empowering Parents (STEPS) program starting at the end of this month!
Bester block party strengthens community in more ways than one
Photography by Joe Crocetta, Staff Photographer
By Don Aines, Staff Writer
Hundreds of parents and children gathered outside Bester Elementary School on Saturday for an afternoon of entertainment, getting to know one another, and learning about resources that can help strengthen their community.
“It’s a great community. Sometimes people don’t look at it that way, and we want to highlight all the great strengths that exist here,” said Keith Fanjoy, the director of Bester Community of Hope, sponsor of the block party.
The Bester Community of Hope was formed last year, but Fanjoy said the group wants the block party to become an annual event. The party, he said, served a couple of purposes.
“It’s also about getting to know your neighbor … so when this party is over, you’re a little closer to your neighbor,” he said. “Not only does it create a stronger neighborhood, but it creates stronger outcomes for kids and their families.”
South End Neighborhoods 1st has much the same goals, said the group’s president, Melanie Pepple.
“We’re working to build stronger communities where we all feel like neighbors again,” Pepple said.
The group hopes is trying to re-establish some old traditions, such as Christmas caroling and Halloween events, and holding its own block parties, she said.
Also available to the residents was information about resources they can access to help their families, Fanjoy said.
“We offer mental health case management to people of all ages,” said Ashley Stouffer, the adult services program manager for Potomac Case Management. “Our goal is to get people connected and stay connected to the different resources in the community.”
Potomac Case Management works with about 500 adults and 300 or more children and adolescents in the county, helping them get proper diagnoses and treatment, Stouffer said.
“In my program … we see about 400 people a year,” said Carrie Tressler, the homeless outreach manager for Turning Point, speaking of another challenge many communities face. The program deals mostly with individuals, but homeless families can be more difficult to track, she said.
Helping homeless families with an emphasis on their children is the job of Dana Pentoney, the homeless education program coordinator for Washington County Public Schools. Last year, there were 712 homeless students in the county, she said.
“Our main goal is to remove any barriers to them getting an education,” Pentoney said. That assistance takes many forms, including school supplies and transportation to their school.
The latter is a challenge as families tend to move between the homes of relatives and friends, as well as motels and hotels, in their search for stable housing, Pentoney said. The school system tries to keep the children in what would be their regular schools in order to maintain a healthy educational routine, she said.
The event was also about having a good time.
“I think so. They’re kind of scattered,” Charlene Williamson said when asked if the four grandchildren she brought were enjoying themselves. She said it was a good event to give kids something to do and, “It’s hard to find something that doesn’t cost money.”
“This is my community. … All the kids and grandkids went to Bester, so far,” said C. Burker, who was there with her daughter, Laci Hammer, and granddaughter Legaci Jones. While they were enjoying the day, they also had a stroller packed with brochures and pamphlets from the resource providers.
http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/education/bester-block-party-strengthens-community-in-more-ways-than-one/article_a3c81a9c-6738-11e6-9e63-a7997acc944f.html
Bester Health Center
Over 100 families have registered for the new Bester Health Center in the first week of school! The program, sponsored by the Community Free Clinic, provides convenient access to acute care while all Bester Elementary children are at school for no cost. The program will be available starting September 6th, if your child attends Bester Elementary be sure to sign up today!
